individualism
in-dih-VIJ-oo-uh-liz-um
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/
A social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
Can be used positively (self-reliance) or negatively (selfishness/lack of community).
The story behind the word. From 'individual', which comes from the Latin 'individuus', meaning 'undivided' or 'indivisible'. An individual is the smallest unit of society that cannot be divided further.
Word relationships
- independence: Independence is a state; individualism is an ideology or value system.
- collectivism: Collectivism prioritizes the group or state over the individual.
Commonly confused with
- individuality: Individuality is the quality that makes you unique; individualism is the belief in individual freedom.
Word family
- individual (noun/adjective): A single human being; relating to one person.
Collocations
- rugged individualism
- spirit of individualism
- methodological individualism
Example sentences
- "The culture of the American West is often defined by a spirit of rugged individualism." Sociology
- "Critics argue that extreme individualism can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion." Politics
Memory hook
Individualism is the 'ism' (belief) that the 'individual' comes first. Individual first.
When not to use
Don't use when you just mean 'being an individual'; it refers to the philosophy or belief system.
Fun facts
- The term was first used in a pejorative sense by critics of the French Revolution.
Related words
Explore more words
libertarian, maverick, autonomy, Social loafing, nonconformist, unilateral
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.